The American Revolution Causes of the Revolution Different Schools of Thought p. 162-163Different Schools of Thought p. 162-163 Whig View- championed

The American RevolutionThe American Revolution

Causes of the RevolutionCauses of the Revolution

• Different Schools of Thought p. 162-163Different Schools of Thought p. 162-163

• Whig View-Whig View- championed in George Bancroft’s 10 championed in George Bancroft’s 10 volume history of the united states published between 1830-volume history of the united states published between 1830-1870. Basically, the Revolution was romanticized as another 1870. Basically, the Revolution was romanticized as another chapter in the story of humanity seeking liberty and fulfillment chapter in the story of humanity seeking liberty and fulfillment of national destinyof national destiny

• Imperial School-Imperial School- Challenged Bancroft and said Challenged Bancroft and said the revolution was a constitutional conflict within the British the revolution was a constitutional conflict within the British Empire. America was moving towards self-government while Empire. America was moving towards self-government while Britain increasingly tightened its grip. Revolution came out of Britain increasingly tightened its grip. Revolution came out of this conflict. this conflict.



• Since 1950’s, two school of thoughts Since 1950’s, two school of thoughts dominate:dominate:– 1. Neo-Whig, as promoted by Bernard Bailyn, 1. Neo-Whig, as promoted by Bernard Bailyn,

emphasizes the ideological and psychological emphasizes the ideological and psychological motives for the Revolution. A return to motives for the Revolution. A return to Bancroft’s theory. Bancroft’s theory.

– 2. Neo-Progressives- Emphasizes the 2. Neo-Progressives- Emphasizes the socioeconomic struggle and class divisions socioeconomic struggle and class divisions within the colonies as leading cause of the within the colonies as leading cause of the Revolution along with provocations from the Revolution along with provocations from the British ParliamentBritish Parliament



BritainBritain AmericansAmericans

AdvantagesAdvantages ?? ??

DisadvantagesDisadvantages ?? ??

On the Eve of the On the Eve of the Revolution ?Revolution ?

Second Continental CongressSecond Continental Congress• Met for the first time on May 10, 1775.Met for the first time on May 10, 1775.• All 13 colonies were presentAll 13 colonies were present• Conservative element was strong and no Conservative element was strong and no

widespread desire for independence- main goal widespread desire for independence- main goal was to continue fighting in the hope that the was to continue fighting in the hope that the King and Parliament would address their King and Parliament would address their grievancesgrievances

• Drafted new appeals to Parliament and the King, Drafted new appeals to Parliament and the King, but they were spurnedbut they were spurned

• Adopted measures to raise money and to create Adopted measures to raise money and to create an army and navy. However, did not have the an army and navy. However, did not have the authority to taxauthority to tax

• Most important action was selecting George Most important action was selecting George Washington to lead the army besiegingWashington to lead the army besieging Boston Boston and to lead the Patriot effortand to lead the Patriot effort

George WashingtonGeorge Washington(Weaknesses)(Weaknesses)

-He never rose above the rank of colonel and his largest command was 1200 soldiers

George WashingtonGeorge Washington(Strengths)(Strengths)

George WashingtonGeorge Washington

• His selection was largely political. His selection was largely political. He was a wealthy well-known He was a wealthy well-known Virginian, he could not be accused Virginian, he could not be accused of seeking fortune.of seeking fortune.

• Most importantly, it helped Most importantly, it helped mitigate jealously and suspicions mitigate jealously and suspicions due to the large New England due to the large New England force being collected around force being collected around BostonBoston

• Lastly, as an aristocrat, his peers Lastly, as an aristocrat, his peers believed he would check “the believed he would check “the excesses of the masses.”excesses of the masses.”

Washington’s HeadachesWashington’s Headaches

Only 1/3 of the colonists were in favor of a war for independence [the other third were Loyalists, and the final third were neutral].

State/colony loyalties.

Congress couldn’t tax to raise money for the Continental Army.

Poor training [until the arrival of Baron von Steuben.

Military StrategiesMilitary Strategies

Attrition [the Brits had a long supply line].

Guerilla tactics [fight an insurgent war you don’t have to win a battle, just wear the British down]

Make an alliance with one of Britain’s enemies.

The American

s

The British

Break the colonies in half by getting between the No. & the So.

Blockade the ports to prevent the flow of goods and supplies from an ally.

“Divide and Conquer” use the Loyalists.

War of InconsistencyWar of Inconsistency

• From April 1775-July 1776, From April 1775-July 1776, as the colonists were as the colonists were claiming their loyalty to the claiming their loyalty to the King and trying to patch up King and trying to patch up their differences, they were their differences, they were engaged in fighting and engaged in fighting and shooting the King’s soldiers. shooting the King’s soldiers.

Bunker HillBunker Hill• May 1775, (three weeks after Lexington May 1775, (three weeks after Lexington

and Concord) Ethan Allen and Benedict and Concord) Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold secured precious gunpowder and Arnold secured precious gunpowder and artillery at Ticonderoga and Crown artillery at Ticonderoga and Crown Pointe. Also gained foothold on St. Pointe. Also gained foothold on St. Lawrence Seaway, allowing the future Lawrence Seaway, allowing the future attack on Canadaattack on Canada

• June 1775, Patriots outshoot British at June 1775, Patriots outshoot British at Bunker Hill as patriot sharpshooters Bunker Hill as patriot sharpshooters mow down British soldiers. However, mow down British soldiers. However, gunpowder ran out and the Patriots fled. gunpowder ran out and the Patriots fled. 1054 British deaths to the American 440 1054 British deaths to the American 440 deaths. In the end, the Americans lose deaths. In the end, the Americans lose because they had to flee. Proved to because they had to flee. Proved to British that the Americans would not British that the Americans would not always run when faced the professional always run when faced the professional soldiers of the British army. soldiers of the British army.

• However, the British Army was in However, the British Army was in disarray and near defeat. disarray and near defeat.

Bunker HillBunker Hill

• Just north of Boston, the British attacked in Just north of Boston, the British attacked in three frontal assaults on entrenchments. They three frontal assaults on entrenchments. They suffered over 40% casualty rate due to the suffered over 40% casualty rate due to the positioning of the American Sharpshooters.positioning of the American Sharpshooters.

Death of General Warren at Death of General Warren at Bunker Hill by John TrumbullBunker Hill by John Trumbull

Olive Branch PetitionOlive Branch Petition

• In July 1775, the Continental In July 1775, the Continental Congress adopted the Olive Congress adopted the Olive Branch Petition.Branch Petition.

• Professed loyalty to the crown Professed loyalty to the crown and begged the King to prevent and begged the King to prevent further hostilitiesfurther hostilities

• King slammed door on King slammed door on reconciliation due to the victory reconciliation due to the victory at Bunker Hillat Bunker Hill

• August 1775, King George III August 1775, King George III formally claimed the colonies to formally claimed the colonies to be in rebellionbe in rebellion

HessiansHessians

• After declaring colonies in After declaring colonies in rebellion of the crown, King rebellion of the crown, King George III made arrangements to George III made arrangements to hire German mercenaries hire German mercenaries

• This shocked the colonists who This shocked the colonists who thought it was an affair within thought it was an affair within the family.the family.

• Many became “Hessian Flies”, in Many became “Hessian Flies”, in search of booty and American search of booty and American landland

Phase IPhase I:: The Northern The Northern CampaignCampaign[1775-1776][1775-1776]

The Canada CampaignThe Canada Campaign

The Canada CampaignThe Canada Campaign

Death of General MontgomeryDeath of General MontgomeryJohn TrumbullJohn Trumbull

Evacuation DayEvacuation Day

• March 1776, the British were finally March 1776, the British were finally forced to evacuate Boston. forced to evacuate Boston.

• Evacuation Day is still celebrated Evacuation Day is still celebrated today in Boston, feted on March 17.today in Boston, feted on March 17.

Independence?Independence?• As late as January 1776, colonists As late as January 1776, colonists

were still denying the desire for were still denying the desire for independence. Whyindependence. Why??– Loyalty to the empire was deeply Loyalty to the empire was deeply

engrainedengrained– Many believed they were part of a Many believed they were part of a

transatlantic community with transatlantic community with Mother England as the leading roleMother England as the leading role

– Colonial Unity was poorColonial Unity was poor– Open rebellion was dangerous, just Open rebellion was dangerous, just

ask the Irishask the Irish– Even as late as January 1776, Even as late as January 1776,

Washington’s officers were making Washington’s officers were making toasts to the Kingtoasts to the King

– But the hiring of Hessians and the But the hiring of Hessians and the burning of colonial towns of Norfolk burning of colonial towns of Norfolk and Falmouth shocked the colonists and Falmouth shocked the colonists into seeing the benefits of into seeing the benefits of independenceindependence

Common SenseCommon Sense

• Thomas PaineThomas Paine– Came to the colonies in 1775Came to the colonies in 1775– Was a impoverished corset-makerWas a impoverished corset-maker– Wrote the influential pamphlet Wrote the influential pamphlet Common Common

Sense, Sense, which became a best sellerwhich became a best seller– Said that the colonists lack of desire for Said that the colonists lack of desire for

independence was against common sense independence was against common sense since nowhere in the universe did the since nowhere in the universe did the smaller heavenly body control the larger smaller heavenly body control the larger one.one.

– Also called the king a “Brute.”Also called the king a “Brute.”

Thomas PaineThomas Paine


• Called for a republic, where power Called for a republic, where power came from the people themselvescame from the people themselves

• Popular in colonies because they Popular in colonies because they viewed the royal acts over the past viewed the royal acts over the past decade as a sign that the monarch decade as a sign that the monarch was trying to strip them of their rights was trying to strip them of their rights as British subjectsas British subjects


• Colonies prepared for Paine’s form Colonies prepared for Paine’s form of government due their of government due their experiencesexperiences– Town hall meetingsTown hall meetings– Annual electionsAnnual elections– Committees of correspondenceCommittees of correspondence– Absence of hereditary aristocracyAbsence of hereditary aristocracy


• Civic virtue or citizen virtue-Civic virtue or citizen virtue-– Since power not with the king, people Since power not with the king, people

had to sacrifice their own personal had to sacrifice their own personal self-interest to the public goodself-interest to the public good

– Collective good of the people mattered Collective good of the people mattered more than the private rights and more than the private rights and interests of the individualinterests of the individual

– Paine argued the colonies were ripe Paine argued the colonies were ripe for this type of civic or citizen virtuefor this type of civic or citizen virtue

Push towards IndependencePush towards Independence

• These United colonies are, and of These United colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and right ought to be, free and independent states.” independent states.”

• Richard Henry Lee made this Richard Henry Lee made this speech to Congress on June 7, speech to Congress on June 7, 1776. 1776.

• Motion was passed, after much Motion was passed, after much debate on June 2, 1776.debate on June 2, 1776.

Push towards IndependencePush towards Independence

• Lee’s resolution was the “formal” Lee’s resolution was the “formal” declaration of independence and all that declaration of independence and all that was officially needed to cut ties with was officially needed to cut ties with Britain, but…….Britain, but…….

• More was needed, an epochal rupture, More was needed, an epochal rupture, to give a formal explanationto give a formal explanation

• Also, it needed to be an appeal to enlist Also, it needed to be an appeal to enlist other British colonies into the fight, to other British colonies into the fight, to enlist foreign assistance, and to rally enlist foreign assistance, and to rally resistance to the crown at home.resistance to the crown at home.

Declaration of IndependenceDeclaration of Independence

• Task of drafting it given to Thomas Task of drafting it given to Thomas Jefferson-Jefferson-– He was tall, freckled, sand-haired Virginian He was tall, freckled, sand-haired Virginian

lawyer of 33 years of age.lawyer of 33 years of age.– Recognized as a brilliant writer and lawyer Recognized as a brilliant writer and lawyer

despite his young age (he was younger than despite his young age (he was younger than me when he drafted the Declaration)me when he drafted the Declaration)

– Formally approved on July 4, 1776 (fireworks Formally approved on July 4, 1776 (fireworks on the 4on the 4thth, not the 2, not the 2ndnd, as John Adams , as John Adams predicted)predicted)


Youtube of Declaration:Youtube of Declaration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcHF9tEWGVA&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active


• Grievances filed against King George IIIGrievances filed against King George III– Imposing taxes without consentImposing taxes without consent– Dispensing with trial by juryDispensing with trial by jury– Abolishing valued lawsAbolishing valued laws– Establishing a military dictatorshipEstablishing a military dictatorship– Maintaining standing armies in peacetimeMaintaining standing armies in peacetime– Cutting off tradeCutting off trade– Burning townsBurning towns– Hiring mercenariesHiring mercenaries– And inciting hostility among the IndiansAnd inciting hostility among the Indians


• Contradictory because “All men created Contradictory because “All men created equal was a fallacy, Jefferson himself equal was a fallacy, Jefferson himself owned slaves as well as many of the owned slaves as well as many of the men who signed the documentmen who signed the document

• Nevertheless, the document has stood Nevertheless, the document has stood the test of time as numerous the test of time as numerous revolutionary movements have used its revolutionary movements have used its language against arbitrary authority. language against arbitrary authority.

• Lafayette himself hung one on his wall Lafayette himself hung one on his wall with room for a future French Declaration with room for a future French Declaration of the Rights of Man- born 13 years laterof the Rights of Man- born 13 years later

LoyalistsLoyalists

• War within in a war, Colonials loyal to War within in a war, Colonials loyal to the fought the American Patriots who the fought the American Patriots who also fought the Redcoatsalso fought the Redcoats

• Loyalists also called Tories, after the Loyalists also called Tories, after the dominant political faction in Britain. dominant political faction in Britain. Patriots called Whigs, after the Patriots called Whigs, after the opposition factions in Britain.opposition factions in Britain.

• In reality, the American Revolution was In reality, the American Revolution was a minority movement, with many a minority movement, with many Colonists apathetic (did not care) or Colonists apathetic (did not care) or neutralneutral

LoyalistsLoyalists

• Loyalists, British, and Patriots not Loyalists, British, and Patriots not only fought each other, but also for only fought each other, but also for the allegiance and support from the the allegiance and support from the neutral civilian populationneutral civilian population

• Patriots proved to be more effective Patriots proved to be more effective in this pursuitin this pursuit– Loaded with Political zeal and the Loaded with Political zeal and the

ability to convince neutral colonials ability to convince neutral colonials that their fate lied with the Revolution that their fate lied with the Revolution and not the Redcoats and Britishand not the Redcoats and British

LoyalistsLoyalists• Loyalists numbered around 16% of the colonial Loyalists numbered around 16% of the colonial

populationpopulation• Considered tragic figures because for centuries Considered tragic figures because for centuries

the colonials were taught loyalty to the king and the colonials were taught loyalty to the king and country, which is usually regarded as an country, which is usually regarded as an honorable thing. However, in the honorable thing. However, in the Revolutionary War, they are considered less Revolutionary War, they are considered less favorably. favorably.

• Loyalists were usually members of the wealthy Loyalists were usually members of the wealthy and educated classes and who generally were and educated classes and who generally were happy with their status within colonial society. happy with their status within colonial society. They had more to lose with a revolution than to They had more to lose with a revolution than to possibly gain. Also, they tended to be amongst possibly gain. Also, they tended to be amongst the older generationthe older generation

• Loyalists also were agents of the crown and Loyalists also were agents of the crown and officials in the Anglican Church and their officials in the Anglican Church and their congregations. congregations.

• Loyalists were most numerous where the Loyalists were most numerous where the Anglican Church was most prevalent, Anglican Church was most prevalent, except for in Virginia.except for in Virginia.

• Also in New York City, Charleston, New Also in New York City, Charleston, New Jersey, and Quaker Pennsylvania. Jersey, and Quaker Pennsylvania.

• Loyalists least numerous in New England Loyalists least numerous in New England and also where the Congregational and and also where the Congregational and Presbyterian Church was strong. The Presbyterian Church was strong. The rebels tended to live in these areas. rebels tended to live in these areas.

LoyalistsLoyalists

LoyalistsLoyalists

• After Declaration of Independence, many After Declaration of Independence, many Loyalists were treated harshly by the rebelsLoyalists were treated harshly by the rebels– ImprisonedImprisoned– Handled roughly (tar and feathered etc)Handled roughly (tar and feathered etc)– Some were hangedSome were hanged

• Overall, though, there was no reign of terror like Overall, though, there was no reign of terror like in France or Russia. Leading Loyalists fled to in France or Russia. Leading Loyalists fled to British lines and safety.British lines and safety.

• 80,000 of the most loyal were either driven out or 80,000 of the most loyal were either driven out or fledfled

• 50,000 or so at one time or another during the 50,000 or so at one time or another during the war bore arms for the cause or acted as spies for war bore arms for the cause or acted as spies for the crown.the crown.

LoyalistLoyalist

StrongholdStrongholdss

Phase IIPhase II::

NY & PANY & PA[1776-1778][1776-1778]

New York and Middle Colonies New York and Middle Colonies CampaignCampaign

• After Boston was evacuated, British After Boston was evacuated, British used New York as their base of used New York as their base of operations (Loyalists present, operations (Loyalists present, centrally located, and great harbor)centrally located, and great harbor)

• July, 1776, a huge British fleet of five July, 1776, a huge British fleet of five hundred ships arrived with 35,000 hundred ships arrived with 35,000 men. men.

New York City in FlamesNew York City in Flames(September, 1776)(September, 1776)

New York and other BattlesNew York and other Battles

• Summer and Fall of 1776, disaster Summer and Fall of 1776, disaster occurred for the Americans as they lost occurred for the Americans as they lost the Battle of Long Island.the Battle of Long Island.

• Washington and troops narrowly Washington and troops narrowly escaped to Manhattan Island, and escaped to Manhattan Island, and crossed Hudson river to New Jersey. crossed Hudson river to New Jersey. Made his way to Delaware RiverMade his way to Delaware River

• General Howe failed to recognize the General Howe failed to recognize the American forces were prime for defeat American forces were prime for defeat and he stopped the pursuit of and he stopped the pursuit of Washington and the rebels Washington and the rebels

Washington Crossing the Washington Crossing the DelawareDelaware

Painted by Emanuel Leutze, 1851

Crossing the DelawareCrossing the Delaware

• December 26, 1776, Washington December 26, 1776, Washington stealthily crossed the icy Delaware stealthily crossed the icy Delaware River at TrentonRiver at Trenton

• Attacked and captured over 1,000 Attacked and captured over 1,000 Hessians who were sleeping off their Hessians who were sleeping off their Christmas celebrationChristmas celebration

• Week later, defeated a small Week later, defeated a small detachment at Princeton in New Jerseydetachment at Princeton in New Jersey

• The two New Jersey victories showed The two New Jersey victories showed Washington at his best and helped Washington at his best and helped save morale for the American rebelssave morale for the American rebels

Hudson River Valley and Hudson River Valley and Burgoyne’s BlunderBurgoyne’s Blunder

• British officials develop a complex scheme to British officials develop a complex scheme to capture Hudson River Valley in hope of cutting capture Hudson River Valley in hope of cutting of New England from the other coloniesof New England from the other colonies

• Chose actor-playwright-soldier to lead the Chose actor-playwright-soldier to lead the campaign General Burgoyne campaign General Burgoyne

• Fall 1776. Plan called for Burgoyne to push Fall 1776. Plan called for Burgoyne to push down Lake Champlain from Canada, Howe’s down Lake Champlain from Canada, Howe’s troops would push up from New York to meet troops would push up from New York to meet in Albany, and General Barry St. Leger and his in Albany, and General Barry St. Leger and his troops would come from the west from the troops would come from the west from the Mohawk RiverMohawk River


• British officials forgot about Arnold. British officials forgot about Arnold. • Arnold kept a tattered army together Arnold kept a tattered army together

and made a makeshift navy to fight the and made a makeshift navy to fight the British in Lake Champlain. British in Lake Champlain.

• Arnold’s tiny navy was defeated, but he Arnold’s tiny navy was defeated, but he gained time for the Rebels. gained time for the Rebels.

• British retired to Canada and had to British retired to Canada and had to launch the campaign the following year, launch the campaign the following year, from Montreal and not Fort Ticonderogafrom Montreal and not Fort Ticonderoga


• Invasion started with 7,000 soldiers, Invasion started with 7,000 soldiers, who had to cut their way through the who had to cut their way through the forest. Progress was slowforest. Progress was slow

• Howe, not following the plan, decides to Howe, not following the plan, decides to attack Philadelphia, the rebel capital. attack Philadelphia, the rebel capital. Hoped to destroy Washington’s army to Hoped to destroy Washington’s army to give Burgoyne an easier path. give Burgoyne an easier path. Washington will lose two battles at Washington will lose two battles at Brandywine Creek and Germantown. Brandywine Creek and Germantown. However, when Howe took Philadelphia, However, when Howe took Philadelphia, he decided to relax. he decided to relax.

Valley ForgeValley Forge

• Washington and his troops retired to Washington and his troops retired to Valley Forge, 20 some miles Valley Forge, 20 some miles northwest of Philadelphia. It was a northwest of Philadelphia. It was a hilly position. hilly position.

• Misery, low supplies, terrible Misery, low supplies, terrible conditions, but Von Steuben whips conditions, but Von Steuben whips them into a professional armythem into a professional army

Saratoga: Saratoga: “Turning “Turning Point”Point” of the War? of the War?

A modern-day re-enactment

FranceFrance

• France was looking for revenge France was looking for revenge after their loss in the Seven Years’ after their loss in the Seven Years’ WarWar– Damage British prestige if they lose Damage British prestige if they lose

their American coloniestheir American colonies– Also, France hoped to possibly regain Also, France hoped to possibly regain

some of the land they had lostsome of the land they had lost

Colonial DiplomacyColonial Diplomacy

• Americans held some rebellious views Americans held some rebellious views on international relations and diplomacyon international relations and diplomacy– End colonialism and mercantilismEnd colonialism and mercantilism– Free trade and freedom of the seasFree trade and freedom of the seas– Rule of law should trump the rule of powerRule of law should trump the rule of power

• Model Treaty, chief author was John Model Treaty, chief author was John Adams, who drafted it to guide the Adams, who drafted it to guide the American diplomats in France. It stated:American diplomats in France. It stated:– No political connectionNo political connection– No military connectionNo military connection– Only a commercial connectionOnly a commercial connection

Colonial DiplomacyColonial Diplomacy

• International diplomacy and relations International diplomacy and relations influenced by enlightenment views that influenced by enlightenment views that stated:stated:– Military conflict would be abandoned for the Military conflict would be abandoned for the

mutual beneficial ties of commercial mutual beneficial ties of commercial interestsinterests

• Obviously, this view was naïve and Obviously, this view was naïve and utopian, but it does help one utopian, but it does help one understand the ideological aspect of understand the ideological aspect of American Diplomacy in its early yearsAmerican Diplomacy in its early years

Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin

• His clothing and persona deliberately His clothing and persona deliberately violated the norms of diplomacyviolated the norms of diplomacy– No ceremonial sword, a plain white walking No ceremonial sword, a plain white walking

stickstick– Avoided regal outfits and wigs and wore Avoided regal outfits and wigs and wore

homespun garments and a simple hathomespun garments and a simple hat• His appearance shocked the court of His appearance shocked the court of

France with all their pomp and France with all their pomp and ceremonyceremony

• But he was admired by the Parisians But he was admired by the Parisians because he represented a new social because he represented a new social order devoid of pretense and nobilityorder devoid of pretense and nobility

Home Rule?Home Rule?

• After Saratoga, Parliament, in 1777,offered the After Saratoga, Parliament, in 1777,offered the colonies Home Rule. (a little too late perhaps)colonies Home Rule. (a little too late perhaps)

• Franklin used this as bait to get the French to Franklin used this as bait to get the French to sign a treaty of alliance. Signed on Feb 6, sign a treaty of alliance. Signed on Feb 6, 1778.1778.

• America’s first entangling military alliance and America’s first entangling military alliance and against many of the protocols described in the against many of the protocols described in the Model treaty.Model treaty.

• Acknowledged American Independence and Acknowledged American Independence and also gave very important military aid to the also gave very important military aid to the cause and France pledged to wage war until cause and France pledged to wage war until America secured its freedomAmerica secured its freedom

World WarWorld War

• Catherine the Great’s Armed Catherine the Great’s Armed NeutralityNeutrality– All remaining European neutrals All remaining European neutrals

aligned together in passive hostility aligned together in passive hostility against the Britishagainst the British

• Spain and Holland also joined the Spain and Holland also joined the American side. So France, American side. So France, America, Spain, and Holland America, Spain, and Holland aligned togetheraligned together

American IndependenceAmerican Independence

• Independence does not really occur until the Independence does not really occur until the French enter the fight from 1778-1783French enter the fight from 1778-1783

• Americans deserve credit for hanging on until Americans deserve credit for hanging on until 1778, but they garner victory when the war 1778, but they garner victory when the war becomes too big to handle for the Britishbecomes too big to handle for the British

• French forced British to change strategy and French forced British to change strategy and the French warships helped eliminate the the French warships helped eliminate the British blockadeBritish blockade

• The British decided to leave Philadelphia and The British decided to leave Philadelphia and focus their strength on New York Cityfocus their strength on New York City

Arnold Turned TraitorArnold Turned Traitor

• Plotted to sell out West Point, for Plotted to sell out West Point, for 6,300 pounds and an officer’s 6,300 pounds and an officer’s positionposition

• Felt his skills were not appreciated Felt his skills were not appreciated by the Colonial Armyby the Colonial Army

• The news devasted WashingtonThe news devasted Washington

Phase IIIPhase III:: The Southern The Southern Strategy Strategy [1780-1781][1780-1781]

““Roll up the colonies”Roll up the colonies”

Britain’s “Southern Britain’s “Southern Strategy”Strategy”Britain thought that there were

more Loyalists in the South.

Southern resources were more valuable/worth preserving.

The British win a number of small victories, but cannot pacify the countryside (led by Cornwallis)

Good US General:Nathanial Greene (standing and retreating, wore out his foe

Dark Period of the WarDark Period of the War

• 1780-1781 were some of the 1780-1781 were some of the darkest periods of the war:darkest periods of the war:– Inflation was at its height (repay debts Inflation was at its height (repay debts

at 2.5 cents on the dollar)at 2.5 cents on the dollar)– Despair prevailed, sense if unity Despair prevailed, sense if unity

withered, and mutinous sentiments withered, and mutinous sentiments infected the armyinfected the army

• But Cornwallis was falling into a But Cornwallis was falling into a trap in the Chesapeaketrap in the Chesapeake

YorktownYorktown

• After an unsuccessful Virginian After an unsuccessful Virginian campaign, Cornwallis settles in Yorktown campaign, Cornwallis settles in Yorktown awaiting much needed suppliesawaiting much needed supplies

• But the British had been blockaded by But the British had been blockaded by the French, no supplies comingthe French, no supplies coming

• De Grasse joins the fight with his naval De Grasse joins the fight with his naval bombardment, Washington and bombardment, Washington and Rochambeau pinch Cornwallis in at Rochambeau pinch Cornwallis in at YorktownYorktown

The Battle of Yorktown The Battle of Yorktown (1781)(1781)

Count de Rochambeau

AdmiralDe Grasse

Cornwallis’ Surrender at Cornwallis’ Surrender at Yorktown:Yorktown:

Painted by John Trumbull, 1797

““The World Turned Upside The World Turned Upside Down!” Down!”

Peace TreatyPeace Treaty

• Problems in BritainProblems in Britain– Loses in India and West IndiesLoses in India and West Indies– Minorca in Mediterranean had fallenMinorca in Mediterranean had fallen– Gibraltar ready to be taken overGibraltar ready to be taken over– Lord North’s ministry collapsedLord North’s ministry collapsed– A Whig ministry replaced the Tory A Whig ministry replaced the Tory

regimeregime

• Basically, they were ready for peaceBasically, they were ready for peace


• Three negotiators for the Three negotiators for the AmericansAmericans– Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin– John Adams (New England)John Adams (New England)– John Jay (New York)John Jay (New York)

• Told to make no separate peace Told to make no separate peace and to negotiate/consult only with and to negotiate/consult only with the Frenchthe French

• FranceFrance– Wanted to weaken BritainWanted to weaken Britain– An independent America (kinda)An independent America (kinda)– Wanted to keep them cooped up east of the Wanted to keep them cooped up east of the

Allegheny Allegheny

• SpainSpain– Wanted Gibralter, but this seemed harder Wanted Gibralter, but this seemed harder

than thoughtthan thought– Land west of the AlleghenyLand west of the Allegheny

• France caught between aiding Spain and France caught between aiding Spain and American, John Jay saw thisAmerican, John Jay saw this



• Secretly negotiates with Britain who Secretly negotiates with Britain who wanted to entice one of their wanted to entice one of their enemies from the allianceenemies from the alliance

• Treaty of Paris 1783Treaty of Paris 1783– United States recognized as United States recognized as

independentindependent– Mississippi to the west, Great lakes in Mississippi to the west, Great lakes in

North, Spanish Florida in SouthNorth, Spanish Florida in South


• Americans had to do the following:Americans had to do the following:– No more persecution of loyalistsNo more persecution of loyalists– Confiscated loyalist property was to be Confiscated loyalist property was to be

returned, or recommended to state returned, or recommended to state legislatures to return itlegislatures to return it

– States vowed to put no lawful obstacles States vowed to put no lawful obstacles in the way of collecting debt owed to in the way of collecting debt owed to British creditorsBritish creditors

North America After theNorth America After theTreaty of Paris, 1783Treaty of Paris, 1783

Why so Kind?Why so Kind?

• Trying to Seduce America from the Trying to Seduce America from the French allianceFrench alliance

• Whigs more friendly to the Whigs more friendly to the Americans than the ToriesAmericans than the Tories

• Stop the bleeding, open up old Stop the bleeding, open up old trade channels, and prevent further trade channels, and prevent further wars over the trans-applachian areawars over the trans-applachian area

Egalitarian IdeasEgalitarian Ideas

• With the loss of 80,000 Loyalists, With the loss of 80,000 Loyalists, the conservative ballast was lost the conservative ballast was lost and paved the way for the Patriot and paved the way for the Patriot élites to emerge.élites to emerge.

• Also allowed for more egalitarian Also allowed for more egalitarian ideas to come to the forefrontideas to come to the forefront


• Property requirements for voting reducedProperty requirements for voting reduced• Everyone was a Mr. or Mrs, usually Everyone was a Mr. or Mrs, usually

reserved for wealthy and highbornreserved for wealthy and highborn• Indentured servitude essentially Indentured servitude essentially

eliminated by 1800eliminated by 1800• Society of Cincinnati ridiculed for their Society of Cincinnati ridiculed for their

exclusive hierarchy orderexclusive hierarchy order• Trade organizations emerge for artisans Trade organizations emerge for artisans

and laborersand laborers• Some states eliminated primogenitureSome states eliminated primogeniture


• Fight for separation of church and Fight for separation of church and statestate– Anglican Church was disestablished Anglican Church was disestablished

and reorganized as the Protestant and reorganized as the Protestant Episcopal Church.Episcopal Church.

– Virginia Statute for Religious FreedomVirginia Statute for Religious Freedom• Argued for by Jefferson and passed in Argued for by Jefferson and passed in

17861786

– Congregationalist church remained Congregationalist church remained established thoughestablished though


• Views towards slavery changeViews towards slavery change– Philadelphia Quakers found first anti-slavery society in Philadelphia Quakers found first anti-slavery society in

17751775– Continental Congress in 1774 called for the abolition of Continental Congress in 1774 called for the abolition of

slaveryslavery– Several Northern States abolished slavery completely Several Northern States abolished slavery completely

or provided gradual emancipation of blacksor provided gradual emancipation of blacks

• However, many just paper laws. No state south However, many just paper laws. No state south of Pennsylvania abolished slavery, and in both he of Pennsylvania abolished slavery, and in both he north and south, laws discriminated against freed north and south, laws discriminated against freed blacks (barred from purchasing certain products, blacks (barred from purchasing certain products, certain jobs, and educating their children. certain jobs, and educating their children. Interracial marriage also banned.Interracial marriage also banned.

Why no fight against slavery?Why no fight against slavery?

• Many believe that the Founding Many believe that the Founding Fathers pushed the slavery issue Fathers pushed the slavery issue to the side in fear that it would to the side in fear that it would fracture an already fragile union fracture an already fragile union (confederation). (confederation).

• ““Great as the evil {of slavery} is, a Great as the evil {of slavery} is, a dismemberment of the union would dismemberment of the union would be worse.” –James Madison in be worse.” –James Madison in 17871787

Republican MotherhoodRepublican Motherhood

• Recently, this was a DBQ question on the test. Recently, this was a DBQ question on the test. • Central to republicanism was “civic virtue.”Central to republicanism was “civic virtue.”• So women concluded that they could serve the So women concluded that they could serve the

new nation and republic by being great wives new nation and republic by being great wives and mothers. and mothers.

• Elevates women to a new prestigious role of Elevates women to a new prestigious role of keepers of the national conscience. keepers of the national conscience.

• As a result, educational opportunities expand for As a result, educational opportunities expand for woman with the idea they will be better woman with the idea they will be better equipped to educate their children and nurture equipped to educate their children and nurture republican ideas in their husbands and children.republican ideas in their husbands and children.

• Ultimately, it gave an important role to women in Ultimately, it gave an important role to women in the new Nationthe new Nation

State ConstitutionsState Constitutions

• States asked to write new constitutions States asked to write new constitutions that would give authority to the peoplethat would give authority to the people

• Massachusetts, they had a special Massachusetts, they had a special convention in which the people directly convention in which the people directly voted to ratify the Constitution.voted to ratify the Constitution.

• Only could be changed by a Only could be changed by a constitutional convention. constitutional convention.

• These concepts used when drafting and These concepts used when drafting and ratifying the federal Constitutionratifying the federal Constitution

State ConstitutionsState Constitutions

• SimilaritiesSimilarities– Power came from the people, not the KingPower came from the people, not the King– Contracts that defined the powers of governmentContracts that defined the powers of government– Most had a bill of rightsMost had a bill of rights– All created weak judicial and executive branchesAll created weak judicial and executive branches– Legislature given sweeping powers, because believed Legislature given sweeping powers, because believed

to be the most democraticto be the most democratic

• Also, in many states, the power of the western Also, in many states, the power of the western settlements was growing, as noted by many settlements was growing, as noted by many capitals moving to the interior of the states such capitals moving to the interior of the states such as New Hampshire, New York, Virginia, , North as New Hampshire, New York, Virginia, , North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Economic ChangesEconomic Changes

• Large loyalist or royal lands carved up Large loyalist or royal lands carved up and turned into small farmsand turned into small farms

• Nonimportation acts helped create an Nonimportation acts helped create an emerging manufacturing societyemerging manufacturing society

• However, American ships barred from However, American ships barred from Britain and the West IndiesBritain and the West Indies

• Ingenious Yankees found new markets Ingenious Yankees found new markets for their goods, such as the Baltic seas for their goods, such as the Baltic seas and China seas. and China seas.

Economic ChangesEconomic Changes

• Overall, the economic climate was Overall, the economic climate was not greatnot great– Country was bankrupt and so were Country was bankrupt and so were

many states. They were unable to many states. They were unable to pay of loanspay of loans

– Horrible inflationHorrible inflation– In reality, most probably worse off In reality, most probably worse off

than before the warthan before the war

WholesaleWholesalePricePriceIndex:Index:1770-1770-17891789

American Exports, To & American Exports, To & From Britain: 1783-1789From Britain: 1783-1789

Weaknesses of theWeaknesses of theArticles of Articles of

ConfederationConfederationA unicameral Congress [9 of 13 votes to pass a law].

13 out of 13 to amend.

Representatives were frequently absent.

Could not tax or raise armies.

No executive or judicial branches.

Federalist vs. Anti-FederalistFederalist vs. Anti-FederalistStrongholds at the End of the Strongholds at the End of the

WarWar

State ConstitutionsState ConstitutionsRepublicanism.

Most had strong governors with veto power.

Most had bicameral legislatures.

Property required for voting.

Some had universal white male suffrage.

Most had bills of rights.

Many had a continuation of state-established religions while others disestablished religion.

Occupational Composition of Occupational Composition of Several State AssembliesSeveral State Assemblies

in the 1780sin the 1780s

Indian Land Cessions:Indian Land Cessions:1768-17991768-1799

Disputed Territorial ClaimsDisputed Territorial ClaimsBetween Spain & the U. S.:Between Spain & the U. S.:

1783-17961783-1796

State Claims to Western State Claims to Western LandsLands

Land Ordinance of 1785Land Ordinance of 1785

Northwest Ordinance of Northwest Ordinance of 17871787

One of the major accomplishments of the Confederation Congress!

Statehood achieved in three stages:

1. Congress appointed 3 judges & a governor to govern the territory.

2. When population reached 5,000 adult male landowners elect territorial legislature.

3. When population reached 60,000 elect delegates to a state constitutional convention.

The United States in The United States in 17871787

Annapolis Convention Annapolis Convention (1786)(1786)

12 representatives from 5 states[NY, NJ, PA, DE, VA]

GOAL address barriers that limited trade and commerce between the states.

Not enough states were represented to make any real progress.

Sent a report to the Congress to call a meeting of all the states to meet in Philadelphia to examine areas broader than just trade and commerce.

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-77

Daniel Shays

Western MA

Small farmers angered by crushing debts and taxes.



There could be no stronger evidence of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders.

-- George Washington-- George Washington

ConstitutionConstitution

• Delegates chosen by state Delegates chosen by state legislatureslegislatures– Meant it was a select group of Meant it was a select group of

propertied gentlemenpropertied gentlemen

• 55 meant in Philadelphia on May 25, 55 meant in Philadelphia on May 25, 1787, Jefferson called them 1787, Jefferson called them “demigods.” “demigods.” – Crisis was so important, ablest men Crisis was so important, ablest men

dropped personal pursuits to craft the dropped personal pursuits to craft the ContitutionContitution


• Washington was chairmanWashington was chairman– His prestige and leadership allowed him to calm nerves His prestige and leadership allowed him to calm nerves

when arguments got heatedwhen arguments got heated• Franklin, he was old and needed chaperons to keep his Franklin, he was old and needed chaperons to keep his

mouth shut at the City Tavernmouth shut at the City Tavern– Remember, they took an oath of secrecy about the Remember, they took an oath of secrecy about the

conventionconvention• James MadisonJames Madison

– Father of the ConstitutionFather of the Constitution• Alexander HamiltonAlexander Hamilton

– Advocate of a super powerful central governmentAdvocate of a super powerful central government• Jefferson, Adams, and Paine were in EuropeJefferson, Adams, and Paine were in Europe• Sam Adams and John Hancock not electedSam Adams and John Hancock not elected• Patrick Henry, declined to swerve, because he thought he Patrick Henry, declined to swerve, because he thought he

“smelled a rat.”“smelled a rat.”


• Delegates as a whole were a wealthy Delegates as a whole were a wealthy bunch: lawyers, shippers, land bunch: lawyers, shippers, land speculators, and money lenders. No speculators, and money lenders. No debtor group people. Relatively debtor group people. Relatively young, but experienced. young, but experienced.

• Main goal create a stable political Main goal create a stable political structure that would endure that was structure that would endure that was firm, dignified, and respected. firm, dignified, and respected.

• Daniel Shays, Dey of Algiers, Lord Daniel Shays, Dey of Algiers, Lord Sheffield- what did they represent?Sheffield- what did they represent?

• ““We have, probably, had too good an We have, probably, had too good an opinion of human nature in forming opinion of human nature in forming our confederation.” What does this our confederation.” What does this quote by Washington represent?quote by Washington represent?


Documents

The American Revolution Causes of the Revolution Different Schools of Thought p. 162-163Different Schools of Thought p. 162-163 Whig View- championed